May 20, 2025

The aging baby boomer generation and the growing demand for senior care

The aging of the baby boomer generation is rapidly reshaping the American healthcare landscape. With millions entering their senior years, demand for senior healthcare services is surging at an unprecedented rate, creating both urgent challenges and major opportunities for innovation.
The aging baby boomer generation and the growing demand for senior care

From post-war baby boom to today's senior care boom

After the Great Depression and World War II, birth rates in the United States soared during the post-war economic expansion. This generation, known as the baby boomers, was born between 1946 and 19641,2. Today, the oldest boomers are approaching 78 years of age, while the youngest are nearing 60. Nearly two-thirds of this generation are already eligible for Medicare or will be within the next few years.

The post-war baby boom has evolved into today's senior boom. As baby boomers age, the demand for high-quality senior healthcare grows at a historic pace. This rising demand is straining a healthcare system already challenged by provider shortages, staff burnout, and rising costs.

The numbers tell the story: A rapidly aging population

According to 2020 Census data, approximately 76.4 million baby boomers live in the United States today1,2. The population of Americans aged 65 and older increased by 38 percent between 2010 and 2020, with projections showing a rise to 80.8 million seniors by 20403. Even more striking, the number of individuals aged 85 and older is expected to more than double by 20403.

In 2024 alone, around 12,000 Americans will turn 65 every day4. By 2030, every baby boomer will be 65 or older, meaning one in five Americans will be a senior citizen3.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2004a,2004b, 2004c)

The shift is monumental. Not only are more people living longer, but healthcare spending is climbing alongside these trends. Studies show that aging could account for about 20 percent of healthcare spending growth by 20255.

Challenges ahead: A strained healthcare system

The rapid aging of the population presents several challenges for healthcare providers:

  • Provider shortages: There are not enough doctors accepting Medicare, and early retirements have accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic6.

  • Healthcare consolidation: Fewer independent practices mean fewer access points for seniors seeking care.

  • Reduced personalization: Seniors often require face-to-face communication, but staffing cuts and reliance on electronic systems have reduced these vital human touchpoints.

  • Suboptimal use of technology: While innovation has expanded, many systems are not fully optimized to serve aging patients effectively.

Remote care solutions must balance the efficiency of technology with the necessity of personal connection, especially for older patients who value human interaction.

Remote Care Management: Meeting the growing demand

Hope lies in innovation. Remote care management offers healthcare organizations a way to provide high-quality, personalized care to seniors by blending smart technology with dedicated staffing.

Take the next step toward better care
Schedule a demo

More from our blog

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Navigating APCM billing: What to know about G0556, G0557 and G0558 CPT Codes
Navigating APCM billing: What to know about G0556, G0557 and G0558 CPT Codes
Understanding the three APCM billing codes, G0556, G0557, and G0558, is essential to delivering effective care and capturing Medicare reimbursement. This guide breaks down what each code means, what’s required, and how Medsien helps practices stay compliant while streamlining the billing process.
A quick guide to Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) and how it helps your practice
A quick guide to Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) and how it helps your practice
From scaling chronic care programs to simplifying billing and documentation, APCM helps clinics deliver better care with less operational burden. Here’s a quick guide to understand how APCM works and how Medsien makes it fully manageable.
Safeguarding patient data in Remote Care Management
Safeguarding patient data in Remote Care Management
Healthcare organizations are facing growing cybersecurity risks and compliance demands. As remote care management programs evolve, choosing a partner who understands HIPAA, data security, and patient safety is essential. Learn how Medsien builds protection into every part of your remote care experience.
Beyond the basics: What makes Remote Care Management truly work
Beyond the basics: What makes Remote Care Management truly work
Remote care management success starts with EHR integration, but it does not stop there. To deliver truly connected, scalable, and personalized patient care, healthcare organizations need more than access to data. They need the right technology, expert staffing, and a strategic partner.
Medsien

Reimagine remote care management

Join our robust and rapidly growing community of leading organizations